Trust and Supply Chains : Information Asymmetry in the Agri-Food Sector (Routledge Studies in Trust Research)

This research volume aims at outlining the substantial role of information asymmetry in agri-food chains and how building trust and mitigating this problem could enhance the performance of these chains. The supply chain covers a systemic sequence of linked companies with material and information exchange. Sharing information about capabilities, inventories, and needs is vital to streamline channels, reduce uncertainty, and enhance performance, but economic agents may be reluctant due to opportunism. Information asymmetry can cause problems in quality assurance and distort the supply chain's functioning. Building trust is crucial, and solutions include guarantees, standards, licensing, and hybrid governance. Trust and Supply Chains: Information Asymmetry in the Agri-Food Sector is based on real-world examples and case studies from the agri-food industry (cheese, apples, pasta and bakery, beef, organic products, and more), providing practical solutions to building trust and sharing information. It offers academics, practitioners, and advanced students a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of information asymmetry and trust in agri-food supply chains.